Audi 100 1991 Operating instructions

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Repair Manual
Audi 100 1991 ➤ , Audi 80 1992 ➤ ,
Audi A1 2011 ➤ , Audi A2 2001 ➤ ,
Audi A3 1997 ➤ , Audi A3 2004 ➤ ,
Audi A4 1995 ➤ , Audi A4 2001 ➤ ,
Audi A4 2008 ➤ ,
Audi A4 Cabriolet 2003 ➤ ,
Audi A5 Cabriolet 2009 ➤ ,
Audi A5 Coupé 2008 ➤ , Audi A6 1995 ➤ ,
Audi A6 1998 ➤ , Audi A6 2005 ➤ ,
Audi A6 2011 ➤ ,
Audi A7 Sportback 2011 ➤ ,
Audi A8 1994 ➤ , Audi A8 2003 ➤ ,
Audi A8 2010 ➤ , Audi Cabriolet 1991 ➤ ,
Audi Q5 2008 ➤ , Audi Q7 2007 ➤ ,
Audi R8 2007 ➤ , Audi TT 1999 ➤ ,
Audi TT 2007 ➤
Wheel and Tire Guide
Edition 11.2010
Service
Service Department. Technical Information

Protected by copyright. Copying for private or commercial purposes, in part or in whole, is not
permitted unless authorised by AUDI AG. AUDI AG does not guarantee or accept any liability
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List of Workshop Manual Repair GroupsList of Workshop Manual
Repair GroupsList of Workshop Manual Repair Groups
Repair Group
44 - Wheels, Tires, Wheel Alignment
Technical information should always be available to the foremen and mechanics, because their
careful and constant adherence to the instructions is essential to ensure vehicle road-worthiness and
safety. In addition, the normal basic safety precautions for working on motor vehicles must, as a
matter of course, be observed.
Service
All rights reserved.
No reproduction without prior agreement from publisher.
Copyright © 2011 Audi AG, Ingolstadt D3E80023161

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permitted unless authorised by AUDI AG. AUDI AG does not guarantee or accept any liability
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Contents
44 - Wheels, Tires, Wheel Alignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1 General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.1 Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.2 Documents and Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.3 Legal and Technical Requirements for Retrofitting Wheel and Tire Combinations . . . . . . 5
1.4 Run-Flat Tire Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.5 Run-Flat Tire Installation Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.6 Rolling Resistance Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
1.7 Additional Wheel Housing Enlargement, FLAPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
1.8 Wheel Rims with Glued-On Wheel Trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1.9 Multipart Composite Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1.10 Wheel Bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1.11 Wheel Rims, Preparing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
1.12 Tire Requirement and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
1.13 Tire Wear and Service Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
1.14 Tires, Rolling Noises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
1.15 Wheels and Tires, Vibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
1.16 Balancing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
1.17 Vehicle Pulls to One Side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
1.18 Tire Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
1.19 Wheel Repair Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
1.20 Tire Pressure Monitoring System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
1.21 Emergency Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
1.22 Tires with Emergency Running Characteristics, PAX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
1.23 Tires with Emergency Running Characteristics, SST (Self-Supporting Tire) . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
2 Description and Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
2.1 Disc Wheel Design Overview, Wheel Rims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
2.2 Light Alloy Wheels Component Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
2.3 Tires with Emergency Running Characteristics (PAX) Component Overview . . . . . . . . . . 69
2.4 Tire Side Wall Lettering Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
2.5 Tire Pressure Monitoring System Assembly Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
3 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
3.1 Fastener Tightening Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
3.2 Wheel Bolt Tightening Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
4 Diagnosis and Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
4.1 Vehicle Pulls to One Side, Correcting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
4.2 Wheel Rotation, Non-Directional Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
4.3 Wheel Rotation, Directional Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
4.4 Wheels and Tires, Radial and Lateral Run-Out, Checking with VAG 1435 . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
4.5 Wheels and Tires, Radial and Lateral Run Out, Checking with Tire Dial Gauge . . . . . . . . 80
4.6 Rim Radial and Lateral Run Out, Checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
5 Removal and Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
5.1 Wheel, Changing and Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
5.2 Metal Valve Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
5.3 Wheel Electronics, TPMS, Beru System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
5.4 Wheel Electronics, TPMS, Siemens System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
5.5 Wheel Rims with Replaceable Decorative Trim, Attached with Bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
5.6 Wheel Rims with Replaceable Decorative Trim, Glued . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
5.7 Tires, Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
5.8 Tires, with Run-Flat Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
5.9 Tires, Sealed with Sealant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
6 Special Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Audi 100 1991 ➤ , Audi 80 1992 ➤ , Audi A1 2011 ➤ , Audi A2 2001 ➤ , A ...
Wheel and Tire Guide - Edition 11.2010
Contents i

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Wheel and Tire Guide - Edition 11.2010
ii Contents

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44 – Wheels, Tires, Wheel Alignment
1 General Information
⇒ “1.1 Wheels and Tires“, page 1
⇒ “1.2 Documents and Designations“, page 3
⇒ “1.3 Legal and Technical Requirements for Retrofitting Wheel
and Tire Combinations“, page 5
⇒ “1.4 Run-Flat Tire Safety Precautions“, page 6
⇒ “1.5 Run-Flat Tire Installation Instructions“, page 7
⇒ “1.6 Rolling Resistance Tires“, page 8
⇒ “1.7 Additional Wheel Housing Enlargement, FLAPS“,
page 8
⇒ “1.8 Wheel Rims with Glued-On Wheel Trim“, page 9
⇒ “1.9 Multipart Composite Wheels“, page 9
⇒ “1.10 Wheel Bolts“, page 9
⇒ “1.11 Wheel Rims, Preparing“, page 11
⇒ “1.12 Tire Requirement and Maintenance“, page 12
⇒ “1.13 Tire Wear and Service Life“, page 26
⇒ “1.14 Tires, Rolling Noises“, page 30
⇒ “1.15 Wheels and Tires, Vibration“, page 33
⇒ “1.16 Balancing“, page 34
⇒ “1.17 Vehicle Pulls to One Side“, page 42
⇒ “1.18 Tire Damage“, page 44
⇒ “1.19 Wheel Repair Kit“, page 52
⇒ “1.20 Tire Pressure Monitoring System“, page 52
⇒ “1.21 Emergency Wheels“, page 54
⇒ “1.22 Tires with Emergency Running Characteristics, PAX“,
page 54
⇒ “1.23 Tires with Emergency Running Characteristics, SST
(Self-Supporting Tire)“, page 61
1.1 Wheels and Tires
This guide provides you with important information in the event of
tire damage or concerns.
This chapter contains general information on tires and wheels.
Wheels are high-tech products which have been optimally match‐
ed to the operating conditions of modern vehicles.
As for all technically highly developed products, careful handling,
care and maintenance are required for tires as well. Only then are
the safety, performance and driving comfort guaranteed for the
entire service life of the tire.
The tires are subject to a process of constant further develop‐
ment. As a result of modern construction techniques, finishing
processes and constant quality checks, high-quality tires are pro‐
duced. All tires recommended by Audi have been tested by
technical development and matched to the respective vehicle
type in cooperation with the tire manufacturers.
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Note
We recommend using Audi Original Parts when replacing tires
and rims.
Vehicle safety always has the highest priority. With regard to the
various operating conditions, such as:
• Different speed ranges.
• Winter and summer use.
• Wet and dry roads.
An optimal compromise must be found to ensure driver safety.
Note
We recommend using tires that have “AO“ on them. These tires
are suited for each Audi model.
Every tire faces many different types of stress over distance and
time. Therefore, it is important that the basic requirements for op‐
timal use of tires are fulfilled.
The correct adjustment of the axle geometry while performing a
vehicle alignment is an important requirement for an optimal serv‐
ice life of the tire. Therefore, the adjustment of the axle geometry
must lie within the specified tolerance range.
Information for vehicle alignment, refer to ⇒ Suspension, Wheels,
Steering; Rep. Gr. 44 ; General Information .
Note
There are many causes for tire damage and complaints. There‐
fore, it is very important to recognize whether the complaint arises
from the tires or from other components.
The running characteristics of the tire change in the course of
normal wear. Rolling noises and vibrations can result from this.
These are not damage in the sense of tire defects, but rather
symptoms resulting from use. These can be corrected, at least
partially, by specific measures. In certain cases, rolling noise can‐
not be completely eliminated.
Special Models
Special models are only partially included in the approval certifi‐
cate tables. The retrofitting possibility for these vehicles depends
on the motorization of the respective base model.
Wheels and Tires
Only install tires with the same manufacturer, construction type
and tread on all wheels.
Always replace rubber valve when replacing steel wheel or rim.
Install tires with DOT identification facing toward outside of wheel.
Only applies to left side of vehicle with directional tires.
With directional tires, a wheel/tire combination for the right side
should be installed as a spare wheel.
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1.2 Documents and Designations
⇒ “1.2.1 New Vehicle Registration Documents Since October 1,
2005“, page 3
⇒ “1.2.2 Certificate of Conformity“, page 4
⇒ “1.2.3 EU Type Approval Number, Sales Type and Sales or
Trade Name“, page 4
1.2.1 New Vehicle Registration Documents
Since October 1, 2005
The implementation of EU guideline 1999/37/EG "Vehicle regis‐
tration documents" in national legislation and legal data protection
requirements have made the introduction of new, fraud resistant
registration documents necessary.
Since 01.10.2005, the new documents are issued by the author‐
ities in the case of new registrations, change of owner, entry of
technical changes and all other changes.
The new registration documents consist of:
♦ The registration certificate part I, which replaces the vehicle
registration.
♦ The registration certificate part II that supersedes the vehicle
title.
Registration Certificate Part I (Vehicle Registration)
♦ Contains all technical vehicle data that must be present to
register a vehicle in Europe but only a standard approved
wheel/tire combination is specified.
♦ Has the EU-wide alphanumeric codes allocated to the techni‐
cal data so that the German registration document can be
converted without problems in the foreign countries of the EU
into the registration document required there.
♦ Contains a field to document the temporary or final decom‐
missioning of the vehicle and is no longer drawn in the case
of a temporary or final decommissioning.
Registration Certificate Part II (Vehicle Title)
♦ Contains information that the bearer of the registration certifi‐
cate is not declared the owner.
♦ Only contains the current and, if available, last vehicle owner,
the actual number of previous owners is indicated numerically.
♦ Only contains a small portion of the technical vehicle data.
♦ Does not document temporary vehicle decommissioning In the
future, the vehicle and body type listed under digit 1 in the old
vehicle documentation will no longer exist. It is replaced in the
new documents with EU-standardized vehicle classes with
body type.
The introduction of the new registration documents results in
hardly any changes for the driver.
As with the old vehicle registration the registration certificate part
I (vehicle registration) should be kept in the vehicle and presented
to responsible persons upon request.
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Note
It is not necessary to install the wheel/tire combination specified
in the registration certification Part I (vehicle registration). All com‐
binations approved according to the vehicle general type approval
or EU type approval maybe be used.
The permissibility of a wheel/tire combination that deviates from
the vehicle general type approval or EU type approval must be
verified with an entry in the registration certificate part I (vehicle
registration), an installation certificate due to a parts certificate or
a general type approval for the wheel/tire combination.
1.2.2 Certificate of Conformity
The vehicle manufacturer must request an EU type approval for
all passenger vehicles (vehicle class M1).
A certificate of conformity is produced based on this type appro‐
val.
This document confirms that the vehicle conforms to the EU op‐
erating license and is registered in every EU country without the
need for individual approval.
The issuing applies to all vehicles that were produced in accord‐
ance with the EU operating license.
These vehicles have an EU type plate (black sticker) in the driver
door area or in the engine compartment on older vehicles.
The certificate of conformity has the same importance as the op‐
erating license, so the original should not be kept in the vehicle.
The certificate of conformity contains the EU type approval num‐
ber and detailed technical information about the vehicle such as
the emissions category and all permitted wheel/tire combinations.
1.2.3 EU Type Approval Number, Sales Type
and Sales or Trade Name
Since 01/01/1998, all passenger vehicles licensed for road use
within the European Union must possess type approval according
to EU guidelines. Vehicles licensed for road use with single-ve‐
hicle approval according to 21 StVZO in Germany are excepted.
Therefore, the same guidelines apply to all automobile manufac‐
turers. Consequently, international trade within the EU has been
simplified.
The certificate of conformity contains the EU type approval num‐
ber and detailed technical information about the vehicle such as
the emissions category and all permitted wheel/tire combinations.
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Wheel and Tire Guide - Edition 11.2010
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permitted unless authorised by AUDI AG. AUDI AG does not guarantee or accept any liability
with respect to the correctness of information in this document. Copyright by AUDI AG.
1.3 Legal and Technical Requirements for
Retrofitting Wheel and Tire Combina‐
tions
⇒ “1.3.1 Legal Requirements, Retrofitting Wheel and Tire Com‐
binations“, page 5
⇒ “1.3.2 Technical Requirements, Retrofitting Wheel and Tire
Combinations“, page 6
1.3.1 Legal Requirements, Retrofitting Wheel
and Tire Combinations
Technical requirements, refer to
⇒ “1.3.2 Technical Requirements, Retrofitting Wheel and Tire
Combinations“, page 6
The manufacturer is granted general type approval for the whole
vehicle including all parts and for specific retrofitting (general type
approval according to 20 StVZO (Motor Vehicle Construction and
Use Regulations or EU type approval).
Retrofitting to wheels and tires can only be made under certain
circumstances. The following points must be taken into consid‐
eration:
♦ If the wheel and tires sizes along with the load index and speed
symbol are contained in the general type approval or EU type
approval, then this tire/wheel combination can be mounted on
the vehicle.
Note
It is not necessary to install the wheel/tire combination specified
in the registration certification Part I (vehicle registration). All com‐
binations in the general type approval or EU type approval can be
mounted on the vehicle.
♦ If the wheels and/or tires are not contained in the general type
approval or EU type approval, then vehicle cannot be retrofit‐
ted according to the StVZO specifications.
Note
These statements refer to legal requirements in the European
Union. No claims are made as to their completeness. Other legal
requirements apply outside the European Union.
The possible retrofittings shown here are combinations which
meet Audi AG's requirements for handling and road safety. They
are the results of practical tests and for this reason, Audi AG rec‐
ommends them.
Note
Observe the information regarding new vehicle certification docu‐
ments since October 1, 2005.
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with respect to the correctness of information in this document. Copyright by AUDI AG.
1.3.2 Technical Requirements, Retrofitting
Wheel and Tire Combinations
Legal requirement, refer to
⇒ “1.3.1 Legal Requirements, Retrofitting Wheel and Tire Com‐
binations“, page 5
• The wheel and tire combinations or retrofittings listed in the
individual vehicle tables refer exclusively to Audi original disc
wheels.
• Release of wheel/tire combinations or retrofittings with disc
wheels from the accessories trade is not possible with the en‐
closed approval certificate.
• Tubeless radial tires may only be used with stepped rims with
a bead retaining contour, e.g. a round hump.
• Run-flat tires (reinforced sidewall) may only be used on disc
wheels with extended hump and vehicles with a tire pressure
monitoring system.
• The correct tire inflation pressure values must be observed
when the specified wheel and tire combinations are used. The
tire inflation pressure values for summer tires are shown on
the sticker on the inside of the fuel tank flap or in the individual
vehicle tables.
• Sufficient clearance between the wheels and tires and the
wheel housing, suspension and brake components is ensured
if the instructions and conditions specified in the approval cer‐
tificate are observed under all operating conditions.
• If not otherwise specified, snow chains may be mounted only
on the drive wheels. Only the front wheels on all wheel drive
vehicles and also the back wheels on the Audi Q5 are equip‐
ped with snow chains.
1.4 Run-Flat Tire Safety Precautions
• Work for removing and mounting tires with emergency running
characteristics must only be performed by mechanics special‐
ly trained for it.
• The special tools necessary must be in proper working order
and not damaged! Contact manufacturer of tire mounting de‐
vice found in the workshop directly for suitable additional tools.
Additional tools are offered as recommended accessories for
the tire mounting devices listed with VAS numbers.
• If necessary, use a mounting paste recommended by the tire
manufacturer.
• The description of work procedure for removing and mounting
may vary depending on the device manufacturer and type of
device.
• The following work procedure described explains the principal
procedure for removing and mounting tires with emergency
running characteristics. It is important to recognize run-flat
tires before starting the removal and mounting process as it
will be different from the process used with standard tires.
• Distinguishing characteristic: Such tires can be recognized by
one of the following listed abbreviations: DSST, Euforia, RFT,
ROF, RSC, SSR or ZP. These abbreviations are located on
the tire flank behind tire designation of the respective tire man‐
ufacturer.
• Always note the instructions and danger warnings identified in
the following description!
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• Check whether tire pressure sensor should be replaced (if
equipped) using the Vehicle diagnosis, testing and information
system -VAS 5051- .
Note
♦ During removal and mounting work, make sure that no contact
is made between tires and tire pressure sensor.
♦ When cleaning disc wheel (rim), tire pressure monitor sensor
must not come into contact with water or be blown with pres‐
surized air.
1.5 Run-Flat Tire Installation Instructions
Warm up cold tires to the minimum mounting temperature.
Note
This applies also to ultra high performance tires (height- / width
ration smaller/same 45% and speed rating symbol larger than/
same as V).
WARNING
The minimum mounting temperature for a tire may not be be‐
low 59.00℉ or above 86.00℉ in the center of the tire.
• For injury-free mounting, the upper sidewall and the upper
bead inside must be minimum 59.00 ℉.
• The internal temperature is called the core temperature.
• Rubber is a poor heat conductor, and for this reason, a cold
tire must exposed to a temperature controlled environment
until the inner rubber layers have warmed up to at least 15 °
C.
• The tire surface temperature during the warm-up phase is not
a measure the inside temperature.
• So that the cold tires warm up as quickly as possible, never
stack them one on top of the other; store them separated from
each other so that the warm air can “circulate“ around them.
• Never us a room heater or a hot air gun to warm up tires be‐
cause the surface temperature will heat up very quickly to a
critical temperature.
• To prevent damage, only warm water or warm air (maximum
122.00 ℉) can be used to warm up a tire!
• If cold tires (below 32.00 ℉) are brought into a warm room
(above 32.00 ℉), a layer of ice will start to form on the tires.
This layer of ice means that humidity in the warm air is con‐
densing on the tire.
• Once the layer of ice starts to melt, wipe up the water with a
rag so that the warming up process will not be slowed down.
Warm-up Time
♦ Using the example of a room temperature of at least 66.20 ℉
and a tire temperature of 32.00 ℉ or higher, the tires should
be stored for at least 2 hours at least 66.20 ℉.
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♦ If the room temperature is minimum 66.20 ℉ and the tire tem‐
perature is below 0 ℃ , then the tires should be stored for at
least 2.5 hours at a minimum room temperature of 66.20 ℉.
Recommendations
♦ If possible, let the tires stand in the workshop for 1 day before
mounting them.
♦ Store the tires as high as possible on an insulated surface,
pallet or something similar.
♦ Position the tires so that they can be “surrounded“ by the warm
air
♦ Wipe off the sweat.
♦ Never heat the tires with a room heater or a hot air gun!
1.6 Rolling Resistance Tires
Tire deformation when rolling causes the vehicle to loose energy
that makes the rolling resistance noticeable.
Deformation is significantly lowered on rolling resistance tires due
to new construction and low-wear surface mixtures.
Tires approved by Audi for “ e-Model“ Technology vehicles are
rolling resistant and conform to all safety and customer relevant
properties.
1.7 Additional Wheel Housing Enlargement,
FLAPS
On some vehicles with certain wheel/tire combinations, wheel
housing enlargements (FLAPS) must be attached on the fenders
or bumper for technical reasons -arrows-.
Please check whether FLAPS must be installed.
The necessary wheel/tire combination information can be found
in the overview table for the respective vehicle.
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1.8 Wheel Rims with Glued-On Wheel Trim
Note
♦ Be careful not to scratch off the glued- on wheel trim on these
rims.
♦ The surface of the wheel trim is very sensitive.
♦ The rim will have be replaced if the wheel trim is damaged.
♦ The wheel trim cannot be replaced.
1.9 Multipart Composite Wheels
Composite wheels consist of various parts.
The primary components are rims and wheel discs. These com‐
ponents are fastened to each other with special screws and a
special procedure. This ensures the wheel's function, proper seal,
safety and true running. These important requirements cannot be
guaranteed under shop conditions and using shop tools.
WARNING
Composite wheels must not be disassembled or repaired!
1.10 Wheel Bolts
Note
♦ Make sure the correct wheel bolts are installed. Allocation, re‐
fer to the Electronic Parts Catalog (ETKA)
♦ Only the same wheel bolts may be installed on all four wheel
rims for every vehicle.
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One-Piece Wheel Bolt
Two-Piece Wheel Bolt, Short Turnable Spherical Calotte, Primar‐
ily for S Models
Two-Piece Wheel Bolt, Short Turnable Spherical Calotte, Primar‐
ily for S Models
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Anti-Theft Wheel Bolts
1 - Anti-theft wheel bolts
2 - Cap
3 - Wheel bolt adapter
1.11 Wheel Rims, Preparing
WARNING
♦ Do not repair damaged rims by heating, welding or adding
or removing material.
♦ Do not repair damaged or deformed rims or rims with
cracked or deformed bolt holes.
♦ Only prepare wheels with tested and specified original
paint materials.
♦ No warranty claims can be made against the manufacturer
after preparing rims.
Do not repair rims that have cracks forming on the edges. Replace
them immediately.
Cutting work, application of heat and welding applications of any
kind are not permitted.
Reshaping material is not permitted.
The true running and axial run-out deviations before preparation
must not exceed the manufacturing tolerance of 0.8 mm.
Only cast light alloy wheels may be primed. These wheels have
the material identification AIsi xx on the inside.
Forged wheels may only be painted.
Preparation is limited to the painted surfaces.
Wheels that have been worn smooth that only have a clear coat
may not be repaired.
Only surface damage on the visible side of the wheel may be
prepared.
Damage must not be more than 1 mm deep.
Up to 50 mm of the rim flange may be removed and filled.
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1.12 Tire Requirement and Maintenance
⇒ “1.12.1 Introduction“, page 12
⇒ “1.12.2 Tire Requirements“, page 14
⇒ “1.12.3 Tire Service Life, Influences“, page 14
⇒ “1.12.4 Maintenance (Tire Air Pressure)“, page 15
⇒ “1.12.5 Driving Style“, page 16
⇒ “1.12.6 Tread Depth, Measuring“, page 17
⇒ “1.12.7 Tires with Emergency Running Characteristics (PAX)
Side Wall Lettering“, page 18
⇒ “1.12.8 80 Series Tires “, page 19
⇒ “1.12.9 Speed Code/High Speed“, page 19
⇒ “1.12.10 Tires, Speed Ratings“, page 19
⇒ “1.12.11 Winter Tires with Speed Rating V “, page 20
⇒ “1.12.12 Load Index (LI)“, page 21
⇒ “1.12.13 Tires, Reinforced, Extra Load“, page 22
⇒ “1.12.14 Winter Tires, Extra Load, Speed Rating V“,
page 22
⇒ “1.12.15 Snow Chains“, page 22
⇒ “1.12.16 Rubber Valve“, page 23
⇒ “1.12.17 Tires, Storing“, page 24
⇒ “1.12.18 Tires, Aging“, page 24
⇒ “1.12.19 Tires, Replacing“, page 25
⇒ “1.12.20 Light Alloy Wheels, Care and Maintenance“,
page 25
⇒ “1.12.21 Tires with Rim Protector“, page 26
1.12.1 Introduction
This revised information should supplement the knowledge and
experience you already have.
Our customers should receive complete and plausible reasoning
on the topic of “Wheels/Tires“.
With this information, we want to help you make as clear and cer‐
tain a statement as possible concerning tire damage and com‐
plaints.
This chapter contains general information on tires and wheels.
Wheels are high-tech products which have been optimally match‐
ed to the operating conditions of modern vehicles.
As for all technically highly developed products, careful handling,
care and maintenance are required for tires as well. Only then are
the safety, performance and driving comfort guaranteed for the
entire service life of the tire.
The tires are subject to a process of constant further develop‐
ment. As a result of modern construction techniques, finishing
processes and constant quality checks, high-quality tires are pro‐
duced. All tires approved by AUDI have been tested by technical
development and matched to the respective vehicle type in co‐
operation with the tire manufacturers.
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Therefore, when replacing the tires, we recommend always to
mount the approved and recommended tire brands.
Vehicle safety always has the highest priority. With regard to the
various operating conditions, such as:
• Different speed ranges.
• Winter and summer use.
• Wet and dry roads.
An optimal compromise must be found to ensure driver safety.
Every tire faces many different types of stress over distance and
time. Therefore, it is important that the basic requirements for op‐
timal use of tires are fulfilled.
The correct adjustment of the axle geometry is an important re‐
quirement for optimum service life of the tire. Therefore, the
adjustment of the axle geometry must lie within the specified tol‐
erance range.
Note
There are many causes for tire damage and complaints. There‐
fore, it is very important to recognize whether the complaint arises
from the tires or from other components.
The running characteristics of the tire change in the course of
normal wear. Rolling noises and vibrations can result from this.
These are not damage in the sense of tire defects, but rather
symptoms resulting from use. These can be corrected, at least
partially, by specific measures. In certain cases, rolling noise can‐
not be completely eliminated.
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1.12.2 Tire Requirements
A - Wet braking behavior
B - Comfort
C - Steering precision
D - Driving stability
E - Tire weight
F - Service life expectancy
G - Rolling resistance
H - Hydroplaning
The pie chart represents the tire's performance. It shows how the
extent of the demands A through H could be distributed in tire
construction and rubber compound.
The improvement of one characteristic leads to the worsening of
another one.
Example:
The improvement of wet braking behavior -A- leads to losses in
comfort -B-, rolling resistance -G- and service life expectancy
-F-.
The service life expectancy of car tires depends not only on the
rubber compound and the tire construction. The operating condi‐
tions, circumstances specific to the vehicle and the driving style
all have a strong influence on the tire's service life.
With modern vehicles and appropriate engines, especially gentle
and economical but also extremely sporty driving is possible.
Service life of 5.000 to 40.000 km and even more is possible.
Note
Driving style is the decisive influencing factor on the life of the
tires.
1.12.3 Tire Service Life, Influences
The following factors influence the service life of a tire in varying
degrees:
♦ Speed
♦ Brakes
♦ Acceleration
♦ Cornering
♦ Driving Style
♦ Maintenance
♦ Tire Pressure
Area
♦ Paving
♦ Exterior temperature/climate
Vehicle
♦ Weight
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♦ Tire Pressure
♦ Dynamic toe and camber values
Tire operating conditions
Speed range, wet or dry
Tire Construction
Winter/summer
1.12.4 Maintenance (Tire Air Pressure)
The weight of the vehicle flattens the tire's contact patch. When
the tire rolls, this results in deformation all around the circumfer‐
ence of the tread and the entire belt assembly. With low pressure,
there is a greater deformation which results in more intense
warming and greater rolling resistance. This all results in a greater
wear and a greater safety risk.
Example: Specified series production tire pressure depending on
load on cold tires
Air Pressure (Bar) Air Pressure (%) Service Life (%)
2,3 100 100
1,9 80 85
1,4 60 60
1,0 40 25
Excessive air pressure leads to greater wear at the center of the
tire and reduced rolling comfort. It is recommended always to
maintain the air pressure indicated by the manufacturer.
Diagram 1
Tread depth over service life for vehicles with front wheel drive
and V tires.
P - Tread depth
S - Distance driven
1 - Front axle
2 - Rear axle
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Diagram 2
Tread depth over service life for vehicles with all wheel drive and
V tires.
P - Tread depth
S - Distance driven
1 - Front axle
2 - Rear axle
Note
♦ The diagrams presented cannot be applied in general.
♦ They only illustrate the wear characteristics on the front and
rear axles as well as wear characteristics of front and all-wheel
drive vehicles.
♦ Depending on operating conditions and chassis, the service
life that can be attained may deviate substantially.
As can be seen in diagrams 1 and 2, for a given distance, more
tread wears off tires with a complete tread than off tires which are
quite worn. After the first 5.000 km, no conclusion can be made
about the total service life because the wear curve is not linear.
On front-wheel drive vehicles, the front wheels must transmit the
major portion of the lateral and braking forces as well as the
steering and traction forces. Due to these demands, the front tires
on front wheel vehicles wear more quickly than rear tires. Even
usage of all tires is achieved by regularly exchanging front and
rear tires. Refer to ⇒ page 25 .
1.12.5 Driving Style
1. Constant driving without deceleration and acceleration.
Example:
Speed (km/h) Slip Abrasion
100 1 1
180 3 9
2. Brakes
The highest abrasion is achieved when braking.
Example: Braking from a speed of 50 km/h.
Braking Dis‐
tance (Meters)
Transverse Acceler‐
ation in g3)
Slip Abrasion
Coasting vehicle 0 0
100 0,1 g 4 1
50 0,2 g 8 4
12,5 0,4 g 2) 32 2000-3000
1) g = gravitational acceleration: 9.81 m/s2
2) A deceleration with 0.4 g corresponds to heavy braking.
3. Acceleration (Driving Style)
The slip that occurs during a gentle acceleration from a stop is
approximately the same as the slip that occurs at a steady speed
of approximately 100 km/h.
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